How Long Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last?

Asphalt roof replacement lifespan is influenced by many factors, as discussed above. Although it's only rational to want the quickest answer to your question-how long an asphalt roof last-price varies? 

What Impacts Your Asphalt Roof Lifespan

Asphalt Shingle Types

Asphalt shingles can be classified as 3-tab, dimensional, or luxury. We will use the first two types of asphalt shingles as examples today because they are the most common types in residential homes. Typically, you can expect a 25-year warranty on a 3-tab asphalt shingle, whereas dimensional shingles are usually covered for 30 years. In general, three-tab shingles last about 20 years, and dimensional shingles last about 25 years when properly installed and maintained.

Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation plays an important role in the health and longevity of your asphalt roof. Many homeowners are unaware of this when considering an asphalt roof replacement. When your attic lacks adequate ventilation, hot and cold air is trapped inside, damaging your shingles, and shortening their life expectancy. Roofing systems unable to vent properly will burn up or freeze, and many roof warranties will be voided if they are not vented properly. 

Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance often gets forgotten among spring cleaning tasks, lawn maintenance, and other household chores. Debris on your roof shouldn't be ignored, especially considering the severity of the consequences. You may have severe problems with your shingles if wet sticks, leaves, and other debris are on your roof. A saturated asphalt shingle cannot perform its main function: keeping your home dry.

Keeping your roof healthy and prolonging its lifespan requires annual roofing maintenance. Your roof should be cleared of debris, valleys cleaned, and gutters emptied. You can shorten the lifespan of your roof by neglecting its maintenance.

Weather Conditions

When you live in an area prone to storms and inclement weather, you can't always control how long your asphalt roof replacement will last. Your roof protects all the weather outside. It is natural for your roof to wear down with time. Your roof will wear down faster and require replacement as it gets exposed to more extreme weather conditions. 

Remember that your roof may be affected by other types of inclement weather besides rain, wind, and snow. Asphalt shingles can become cracked and chipped away when exposed to severe sunlight. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and hailstorms can all damage your roof. 

Roof Direction

Asphalt shingle roofs directly impact your home's lifespan, but most homeowners never seriously consider the direction from which their roof faces. A roof's lifespan can be affected by how much direct sunlight it receives. As the sun rises and sets over your home, both sides of the roof receive equal amounts of direct sunlight. Your roof will wear down unevenly if it faces north and south, so one side will wear down more quickly.

Roofing Contractor Reputation

You can determine the quality of your asphalt roof replacement by the experience and skill of your roofing contractor. Even though it can be tempting to hire someone cheap-even if they're inexperienced-keep in mind that when your roof must be replaced prematurely due to poorly installed roofing, you'll pay severely. If you need roof replacements or repairs, always work with a professional. 

For more information, contact Camden Roofing Construction, LLC in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC at 919-729-5050.